A take-off from another thread, important in and of itself, I think. It was mentioned folks often hesitate to "blow the whistle" for fear of retribution. "Getting even". "Keying" your car, for example. Or, the worst, killing you. Stupidity breeds retribution, whose definition is retaliatory action whether good or bad. Here, it's bad. You see someone committing a seriously wrongful act, you "rat him out". For whatever reason, he knows you did that, comes back to take revenge. You fear this, so in advance of such dire possibility, you decide to ignore the individual you see engaged in reportable activity. FEAR drives us to remain silent. Few days ago, a news clip mentioned someone being seriously attacked physically, forget the details, but important thing was, it happened in public, with many folks around, and every single passer-by looked the other way. A highly documented report emerged years back about this kind of similar thing, wherein a horrible crime being committed against a person, I think in NY, was ignored by dozens who happened to witness it. To me, it's sick disregard for fellow citizens, even though they are strangers. Would YOU intervene? Frank
I think being a women I would hesitate for fear of being attacked but would definitely try and get help. Recently in the UK a man was killed parking in a disabled bay. What the perpetrator had not realised was that the disabled wife was already inside the shopping mall. The husband was merely parking the car. The red mist had descended.
I would weigh up the situation first but definitely call the police, most people have mobiles, so no excuse to ignore the situation As for retribution, I hate it, its just stupid and pointless As for 'whistle-blowers' - I love them when they have the courage to report wrongdoers - I would certainly report There has been vast publicity on child abuse in many organisations and those aware, did nothing ! Sometimes you just have to speak up !
Well, unfortunately, speaking up-getting involved can become a legal thing and can affect a person's job. Many people don't want to report hearing abuse going on due to what can happen to them. Confrontation today can be deadly!
But, that is you! Abuse should be reported, but how does a person/person's report abuse without getting involved? It can be a really scary situation when an abuser confronts the person who reported him or her. People who have a family/kids just don't want to take the chance of someone harming their family. Protecting yourself and/or your family doesn't have anything to do with morals or being selfish. Being a Good Samaritan today can be deadly. It's a really hard call to make..........report or don't report. If a person doesn't get involved and the abused person is killed, or badly injured, that would be on the conscious of the person that didn't call. Call people what you may, but
Of course its 'me' Nothing would deter me from reporting abuse I feel strongly about all sorts of wrongs and I've always stood up and said me piece about many things That's 'me' - not that I can stand for too long now, so I've quietened down - a bit
Sadly even when it's reported, there isn't much done with child abuse. Almost every story I've read where the child has died because of abuse, social workers were aware of it. I think you can report most things anonymously @Cody Fousnaugh.
I know that happens a lot Chrissy, mainly because mouths locked shut There is a big outcry here now with old cases coming to light There is no excuse (for me) to keep quiet - none
Here I think the issue is that social services isn't funded enough and the kids just fall through the cracks...that's the reason given but who knows. Fact is they're not doing their job.
You're right - and don't you just get fed up with hearing 'lessons have been learned' Too many years of hearing that one Anyway - I'll say no more on it - too upsetting an issue
@Cody Fousnaugh Your points are well-founded. Exactly the considerations I had in mind when starting the OP. Fear of retribution, vs. fear of one's own conscience beleaguering him for not taking action when it was needed. Tough call. Frank
The sad thing was @Frank Sanoica the man accused tried to say the man he had murdered lost his temper first CCT footage actually disproved him as it showed the man murdered clearly was reasonable and tried to reason with him and explain the situation.
Same things happening here in Australia @Chrissy Cross in fact a pedophile was working as a foster care worker in Adelaide he also worked at a place thats there to protect children from harm